A Personal Knitting Milestone

When I began knitting, I told myself that I wanted to get to the skill level that I could knit socks. 

 Here are my first pair!  

I decided that I better get a plan because knitting socks 
wouldn't just happen. So, I purchased a couple of books, the 
easiest to use by Ann Budd, called Getting Started Knitting Socks.   
I read through the book, and was stumped. I read through it 
again, and was confused still, but decided knitting socks 
might be like swimming; jump in. It took a few tries, some 
pulling out, some rereading directions, but finally they were 
finished. By no means are they perfect, but they are good 
enough. I learned two things; setting a goal with a plan 
is effective even with knitting. Second, learning a new 
knitting technique requires a willingness and the courage to 

jump in and try, even though there will be lots of mistakes, 

the learning happens in the trying.  Something happens during

the process.  The vision of the project and the techniques 

become more clear as you hold the needles and yarn in 

your hands,  something that can't happen by just studying 

the directions.

The Rewards of Giving

Not long ago I went to an open house, hosted by Melynda Bernardi of French Press Knits.  I was very excited to see her new knitting studio, which is gorgeous, and to see some of the amazing products being created by these young knitting entrepreneurs .  I was not disappointed!  I came away with beautiful yarn which has been great to work with, and some graphic art work for my knitting gifts.  Great job ladies!
I learned a long time ago, that when someone invites you into their home, you bring them a token of appreciation.  I have been knitting dishcloths and giving them with a bottle of Mrs. Meyers aromatherapy dish soap as these type of gifts.  I was concerned though, because Melynda is a talented knitter, and I wasn't sure about giving a fellow knitter a gift they could make for themselves.

So off I went to her home, with my gift in hand.  Much to my surprise, she was thrilled! She explained that of all the knitting she has done, she has never made herself dishcloths.  I was relieved and content.  Imagine my surprise when I saw her recent posting about a visitor presenting her with dishcloths and fancy soap!  Take a look at her posting on Versus.  Melynda has written a pattern for organic facecloths, inspired by me! She tells the story so much better than I can.  This put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step!  It's great when someone appreciates even the little things you do.

Felted Kindle Kozy

Currently working on refining this pattern that I came up with.
I wanted a padded covering to accommodate my Kindle and the leather cover.
I had a lot of wool left over from knitting slippers so thought I could use some
up by creating a felted cover. After I had one sample, I thought I should just
write a formal pattern; I can’t be the only person who would want this! I have
to still do a bit of tweaking to this pattern, but will have it soon. I’m loving the
way it looks and took a prototype to the Bahamas in my suitcase.
My Kindle was nicely padded and safe!

Cashmere Blend Newborn Set

These were so much fun to make!  I surprised myself, even though
Jane said all along I should try them and I could indeed do it.   One
of the best things about these is the yarn.  It is a merino, silk, and
cashmere blend that is so soft for a baby and extra special.
 I used Sublime, in an ivory shade and love how these have a vintage feel
to them,  just because of the color.    The booties came from a pattern
by Ericka Knight, while the mittens and hat came from free patterns
available on Ravelry.

Sock Loom Progress

There is progress, but I really have no idea what to do next.
I need to watch the videos to figure out the heel.  Wish I felt
more confident about where this is going.  I'm not sure how
long to make the leg or when to start the heel.  Also, the loom
pulls the stitches so tight, that it's sometimes hard to work.
They do loosen up as they drop through the loom.    The
stitches are pretty much uniform and even!
Snow day update:  Another day off, which meant more time
to work on the sock.  It's looking more like a sock but I will
decide if it's successful when it comes off the loom.

iPod Touch Sock

This ipod sock has a picot hem and 1x1 ribbing.  I used

size 2 needles and Bamboo & Ewe sock yarn from the local 

craft store.  This is a soft wool/bamboo blend.  The pattern is 

available free on Ravelry.  If you are not a member of Ravelry,

you have to sign up now.  It's free!  The only changes I made

to the pattern are that I made the ribbing 4" long and I only did

the decrease 2 times, rather than three.  I learned the Kitchener

method of graphing stitches to create a nice closing seam. This

is a gift for a friend, so now I need to make one for me and for

 the kids!  Better get to work.

Sock Loom

Saw this at Joann's and thought it might be fun to give it a try. 

It came with a how to DVD and simple calculations to figure out sock size. 

 I've always wanted to try knitting socks, but I have some trouble with the tiny needles. Right now I'm using size 2's on a project and struggle keeping the little things in my fingers. If this isn't a total fail, I will post the progress, and hopefully some socks.